There is much more to Kooyong than meets the eye. What appears to be a single residence from the street front is in fact a surprising and thoughtful design. Because what sits behind the wall of paved brick tiles is Outline Projects’ well-sited, multi-dwelling development of six spacious two storey townhouses. Each is abundant with natural light and ventilation, and equipped with all the comforts and solid finishes any empty nester would desire, along with a basement, double garage and private lift.
This creative and stunning design by the team at Kennedy Nolan was designed to be a building in a garden; to be nestled within a lush landscaped setting, where rendered walls invite plants to grow up them, to become one, once the warmth of Spring sets in.
Jacky Oro, architect, Kennedy Nolan, explains, “Because of the intent to build within the garden, when it came to selecting the material palette, choosing materials that would work well in a garden setting was important. We also looked at other dwellings in the area and introduced those textures and crafts into the building. That’s why we liked the brickwork, to introduce texture and warmth into the palette.”
Kooyong sits well within its Armadale context, forming a strong visual relationship with the existing homes on the street, and also subtly makes its mark with contemporary references to the neighbourhood’s arts and crafts. A striking combination of brick and cement render, paired with steel accents on shrouds, window reveals and recesses look purpose-built for the area, yet offer unique, detailed accents for a truly special outcome.
And it’s the unique details in the design, for which Kennedy Nolan is renowned, that really sets Kooyong apart. The Herringbone brick walls paved with Rustic Tan brick tiles, supplied by Robertson’s Building Products, are a prime example. While the townhouses are predominantly rendered, the pedestrian access at the front of the building, along with a double arched wall at the back, which forms an entry into the rear townhouse, are covered in Rustic Tan brick tiles laid in a herringbone pattern. “We used the herringbone pattern as an opportunity not just to create texture from the brick tile, but to accent the actual craft of the bricklayer, that craft in itself,” Jacky says. It’s a really clever and attractive application of these tiles.
From both the north and south facades, residents and their guests can walk past, around and through the brick tiles walls, allowing everyone to view and enjoy them. “You walk around those walls and have a good close proximity to them in both instances where they’re used. They’re immediate to you, so you can actually appreciate the warmth and texture of the brick tiles up close,” Jacky remarks.
“We particularly liked the depth of colour and the texture of the Rustic Tan brick tiles, because they worked well with the overall palette ... and we like the dimension of them – the thinness and their format, which works well from a practical point of view,” Jacky continues.
Kooyong has been a complete success for all concerned: Outline Projects, Bear Development (the builders) and Kennedy Nolan. But undoubtedly, the happiest of all are the six fortunate owners who recently moved in to their beautiful new homes. Kooyong looks stunning now, and once that garden grows up those rendered walls, it will be just magnificent.
Architect: Kenney Nolan
Product: Rustic Tan brick tiles
Developer: Outline Projects
Builder: Bear Projects
Photographer: Derek Swalwell